This study focuses on enhancing the photostability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by incorporating it with a nanocomposite (CeO₂/Sm₂O₃) synthesized through a chemical method. The nanocomposite’s characteristics, including the crystallite size (21.23 nm), grain size (27 nm by field emission scanning electron microscope, 23 nm by transmission electron microscope), and X-ray diffractometer analysis, were investigated. Thin PVC films with and without the nanocomposite were fabricated and analyzed for optical and morphological properties using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Photostability was assessed through indices (I_CO, I_PO, I_OH), weight loss measurements after UV radiation exposure. Results indicate a noticeable reduction in PVC film decomposition, showcasing the nanocomposites' potential as effective light stabilizers. AFM and microscopic analyses further support the stabilizing efficiency. This research contributes valuable insights into utilizing CeO₂/Sm₂O₃ nanocomposites for enhancing PVC photostability.

Keywords: poly(vinyl chloride), CeO₂/Sm₂O₃ nanocomposite, roughness, photo degradation, photostability.